Device for softening beards



June 21, 1949.

' Hu-CC WESLEY, SR

DEVICE FOR SOF'IENING BEARDS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 23, 1948INVENTOR. 66727 7 CZ l l esZe ,57'.

June 21, 1949. H, c, WESLEY, 5 2,473926 DEVICE FOR SOFTENING BEARDSFiled April 25, 1948 2 Sheets -She ef. 2

IN V EN TOR.

Ho me?" C. Wes lav ,5?- BY ATTORNEYS Patented June 21, 1949 UNITEDSTATES O'TFiFJiCE DEVICE FOR ,SOFTENING iBEARD'S :Homer iWesley,iISr.,*Luisville, 'gKy.

Application April 23, 1948,?Serial N0. ;:22;'9-1 1 1 Claim. '1

This invention relates toa device for'softening beards.

An object of the invention is the provision of a device for softeningbeards preparatory to shaving in which a mask, molded of aluminum orplastic to conform to the contour of a human face, receives amoisture-absorbin pad adapted to be applied to those portions of theface and neck which require a shaving operation. The pad is soconstructed that it will fit neatly into the mask and follow theoutlines of the face for maintainin the beard saturated with hotmoisture for a predetermined period.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device forsoftening beards in which a mask formed of aluminum or a plastic isshaped to conform generally to the outlines of those portions of theface and neck which are affected with a growth of hair, a pad made of asuitable fabric capable of absorbing moisture being applied to the innerwall of the mask and conforming to the contour of said mask so that thepad will neatly fit therein, handles formed of materials which will notabsorb heat, projecting forwardly of the mask and adapted to be graspedby the hands of the operator for pressing the pad against the face.

The invention will be best understood from a consideration of thefollowing detailed description in connection with the accompanyingdrawings forming part of the specification, nevertheless, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not confined to the disclosure but issusceptible of such change and modifications as shall define no materialdeparture from the salient features of the invention as expressed in theappended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of the mask shown applied in an operativeposition on a face and neck of a person.

Figure 2 is a front view in elevation of the mask shown applied.

Figure 3 is a vertical section of the mask.

Figure 4 is a plan view thereof with the handles removed.

Figure 5 is a rear view in elevation of the mask.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section through a handle.

Figure '7 is a view in perspective of a handle for supporting the maskand shown in detached relation.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, l0 designates a mask whichmay be molded or pressed from a sheet of aluminum, or the mask .2.maybamolded .fromanynf lthe well-known-pla-sF tics. The mask includesan upper section II and a lower section [2 connected together intograllyalong a parabolic curve l3 which distinguishes the chin portion from theneck portion.

The upper section II includes a pair of wing members I4 which areconcavo-convex and which diverge from a central line in oppositedirections for embracing the chin and the cheeks of the operator. Theends of the members are cut-away as shown at IE) to accommodate the earsof the wearer.

The upper edges l6 of the wing members are curved downwardly towards thecenter where they meet in a curved line below the nose. The chin portionl1 projects outwardly and provides an overhang above the lower section[2.

The neck portion 12 conforms to and embraces the neck at the front andsides thereof. The front of the lower section l2 of the mask is curvedoutwardly at the upper end as shown at 2|! where it joins the uppersection. Said lower section terminates in side wings 2| tapering at theupper ends 22 at the juncture between the rear portions of the upper andlower sections.

The upper section at the front is provided with a pair of openings 25for the reception of threaded bolts 26. The openings at the inner endsare countersunk so that the heads of the bolts will lie flush with theinner face of the mask l0. Handles 21 are secured to the front of theupper section II by the bolts 26 in spaced relation so that the wearermay hold the mask in position.

The handles are manufactured of wood or some other material which willnot conduct heat to protect the operators hand. Each handle has a broadbase portion 30 and a narrow elongated neck portion 3| connectin afinger grip 32 to the base portion. The bottom of the base portion maybe cut-away to follow the curvature of the front portion of the uppersection of the mask to provide a neat fit when bolted to said section.

It will be noted from Figures 1 and 3 that all portions of the mask willbe spaced outwardly from the face by a pad 35 which is fashioned toconform to the outlines of the face and inner wall of the mask. The padis formed of a fabric or materials which will absorb moisture readily.

The operation of device is as follows:

The pad is saturated with water heated to a temperature which will notcause discomfort to the wearer. The pad is fitted neatly into the maskand is then applied to the face by grasp- A metallic facial mask forsoftening the beard of a wearer comprising an upper section having aconfiguration conforming to the chin and cheeks of the wearer, a lowersection having a configuration conforming to the front and sides of theneck of the wearer and joined integral with the upper section along aline to define a parabolic curve in conjunction with the latter, theupper edge of the upper section extendin 4 beneath the nose of thewearer, a moisture-absorbing pad positioned within the upper and lowersections of said mask, and a pair of projecting handles disposed inspaced parallel relation and secured to the exterior of said uppersection.

HOMER C. WESLEY, SR.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 814,741 Southworth Mar. 13, 19061,965,424 Mascola July 3, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date233,722 Great Britain July 16, 1925

